Lydia

A map of ancient regions of Anatolia

Lydia was an ancient kingdom in Anatolia which occupied the valleys of the Hermus and Cayster rivers. From the middle of the 7th century to the middle of the 6th century the Lydians were the most powerful people in Anatolia. They were said to have been the first makers of gold and silver coins.

Croesus (595 BC – c. 546 BC) was a king of Lydia who is said to have reigned for 14 years: from 560 BC until he was defeated by the Persian king Cyrus the Great in 546 BC. Croesus was famous for his great wealth.

Lydia Media

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  The_Bath-Gymnasium_complex_at_Sardis,_late_2nd_-_early_3rd_century_AD,_Sardis,_Turkey_(17098680002)

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  Map of the Lydian Kingdom in its final period of sovereignty under Croesus, c. 547 BC.

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  The temple of Artemis in Sardis.

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  Sardis Synagogue, late 3rd century AD, Sardis, Lydia, Turkey

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  Portrait of Croesus, last King of Lydia, Attic red-figure amphora, painted ca. 500–490 BC.

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  Tripolis on the Meander is an ancient Lydian city in Turkey.

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  Tripolis on the Meander is an ancient Lydian city in Turkey.

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  Büyük Menderes River also known as Maeander is river in Lydia.

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  The Pactolus river, from which Lydia obtained electrum, a combination of silver and gold.

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  Early 6th century BC Lydian electrum coin (one-third stater denomination).

Source

• Lydia: ancient region, Anatolia; Encyclopædia Britannica